COVID-19: Knowledge, Perception and Infection Control Practice of Health Care Workers (A Suggested Ward-based Educational Package)

Abstract

Abstract Background: Increasing infection control knowledge and skills of the health care providers forward will enhance their perception toward COVID-19. Aim: Assess knowledge, perception and infection control practice of health care workers regarding Covid-19 and design a suggested ward-based educational package. Research Design: Multicentric, cross sectional descriptive study. Setting: Assiut University Hospitals in Upper Egypt. Sample: 500 HCWs including nurses, assistant nurse, and workers from all healthcare facilities at Assiut University Hospitals. Tools :{I} A 23-item survey instrument (WHO, 2020), divided into three parts; Demographic characteristics, knowledge and perception assessment. {II} Observation checklist for health care workers' infection control practice, it consisted of 3 main items: hand hygiene steps, donning and doffing PPE, and coughing etiquette. In addition, {III} A suggested ward-based educational package for health care workers. Results: The majority of HCWs had poor level of knowledge and perception, and had an unsatisfactory level of infection control practice regarding COIVD-19. There was statistically significant difference between HCWs' knowledge and practice, also between perception and practice except among nurses. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the majority of HCWs had low level of both knowledge, perception and infection control practice. So, it was necessary to assess these and improve it. Recommendations: Urgently implement strategies as educational interventions to protect healthcare workers in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.